My Career Journey since joining Infosys as a grad 21 Years ago

When I graduated over two decades ago, Infosys was an up-and-coming technology company and well known within the graduate community. They were the very first company to come to my campus on a recruitment drive and I was lucky enough to be selected for one of its graduate positions.

Today, I could write a very interesting book about my 21 years here! I have worked in varied roles, travelled the world, and learnt a continuous stream of new technologies. But while learning about technology and its applications has been fantastic, I’d say that the biggest benefit of my long career at Infosys has been engaging with people. I’ve learned so much about relationships and what makes people tick, and I’ve become a better person myself in the process.

From software engineer to the sales department and everything in between, here’s a snapshot of what my Infosys journey has looked like.

From Tech to Sales

I started out as a software engineer, designing, and writing code. This role took me all over the USA and Australia for five years, and I was lucky enough to work across a wide range of technologies. I learned all the fundamentals which still help me to find solutions for complex technology questions today.

Then I moved on to various project management and technology architecture roles, which helped me to develop my understanding of our business. After four years, I was ready for more challenging leadership roles but decided to take a career break for a while first.

This break was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It allowed me to refresh, learn everything I could about business with probably some of the best minds in the industry and draw out my future path.

I returned to Infosys in New Zealand for a sales role and what would end up being the most challenging phase of my life. I had never done sales before and was in a new country with no connections.

It was intimidating to say the least!

I remember sitting in my office watching the door, trying to gather the courage to ask clients for a coffee meeting. However, everyone around me at Infosys gave me tremendous support. Mistakes were a moment to learn from. I really learnt on the job, with the backing of an organization that really comes together to solve any customer problem. That makes the job of a salesperson much easier.

Moving into leadership

In 2016, I was asked to lead the industry vertical. Leading a team gives you a whole new perspective. Being a superstar doesn't matter anymore; it is all about my team, and my role has switched from a performer to a coach.

Admittedly, it can be a difficult adjustment as you have to learn to let go and help your team to grow. I describe my role now as a sweeper in curling, preparing the ice so my team can run onto it and do their best!

My advice for others hoping to follow a similar path? Find the right company

I think you always need to find purpose in your job and if you can’t relate to the company you’re working for or the work you’re doing, it’s time to go back to your inner drawing board. I have never planned anything based on money or status but have followed my inner purpose. I also think that finding a company who supports and enables your growth is key to being happy with what you’re doing. 

Most of our constraints are self-created in our mind. I have had to overcome a lot of my own demons and false boundaries I created, but through it all, the support from Infosys has helped me to deal with everything and sail through every transition.

Above all, I have discovered that the world is a welcoming and forgiving place when people can see the drive and passion within you. When you give something your everything, the world does come together to help you.

If you’re interested in exploring career opportunities at Infosys, head to our careers page.